Shoe Sole And Support Elements

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a set comprising a shoe ( 1 ) with a shoe sole ( 3 ), which has a support layer ( 31 ) and a plurality of support elements ( 4 ), wherein the support layer ( 31 ) comprises a plurality of cavities ( 310 ) having identical, constant cavity cross-sectional areas. At least one end face of each cavity ( 310 ) is recessed, whereby a structure of cavities ( 310 ) open on at least one side is created in the support layer ( 31 ). The support elements ( 4 ) are designed as rods with identical, constant cross-sectional areas and can be inserted into and removed from the cavities ( 310 ) in a form-fitting manner, wherein the support elements ( 4 ) are present in different strengths, such that the damping of the shoe sole ( 3 ) can be changed by the choice of the inserted support elements ( 4 ).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention describes a shoe sole comprising an outsole layer and a support layer in a region between a heel area and a shoe toe, and a plurality of support elements.

PRIOR ART

DE102013202306 discloses a shoe with a shoe sole that ensures increased rigidity, whereby the damping properties of the shoe sole are also improved compared to the prior art. For this purpose, the material used for the shoe sole or outsole was essentially optimized. The shoe soles are made of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), rubber, polypropylene (PP) or polystyrene (PS) or mixtures thereof. Materials with high damping properties and low weight are preferred. In order to achieve a local improvement in the properties of the entire shoe sole, reinforcing elements are partially cast into the sole body over an area, which is preferably carried out in the area of the heel, where higher damping effects are desired. Alternatively, the reinforcing elements can also be bonded to the underside of the shoe sole, outside the shoe sole in selected areas, for example in the area of the midfoot. Reinforcement takes place during the manufacture of the shoe or shoe sole and is adjusted by the manufacturer to known requirements for each pair of shoes, calculated on the shoe size. Such reinforcement can help to relieve the musculoskeletal system (e.g., foot, ankle, knee, tendons, ligaments, etc.) for example, during jogging on uneven terrain or in case of overpronation of the foot. Locally or areally molded-in reinforcing elements and other elements that are fixedly introduced into a shoe sole during the manufacturing process are evident from U.S. Pat. No. 9,930,928.

In EP2830451, a shoe bottom or multi-layer shoe sole is designed with a central support layer, wherein the central support layer is shaped such that different areas have different predetermined damping properties. These damping areas are once adjusted to the needs of the shoe wearer and thus permanent fixed damping properties of the shoe sole are achieved by the support layer.

The state of the art knows shoe soles with reinforcing elements arranged in selected areas, which are inserted in an optimized manner based on the intended use. The reinforcing elements, once inseparably bonded or molded into the sole of the shoe, remain in this predetermined location. However, depending on the shape of the user's foot, this may not be sufficient, even though the user chooses the appropriate shoe size with the corresponding sole size. The result is reinforced shoe soles that, although the shoe upper fits the user exactly, deliver their damping effects in misplaced locations.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has stated the object of creating shoes or shoe soles that allow a locally defined mechanical damping that can be optimized and changed individually for each user. The damping properties of different areas of the shoe bottom should be easy to adjust independently to the needs of the user, even by the user himself. For this optimization to be marketed, the adjustment must be achievable without the use of special tools and must also be reversible, so that the shoe sole can also be optimized for different applications.

Since the present invention relates to a shoe sole with a support layer and matching, attachable support elements, according to the features of claim 1 a set of a shoe sole together with such support elements is claimed, from which the user can create a finished shoe sole with individually desired; changeable damping.

Variations of combinations of features or minor adaptations of the invention can be found in the detailed description, are illustrated in the figures and are included in the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter of the invention is described in detail below in connection with the accompanying drawings. Necessary features, details and advantages of the invention will be apparent from this following description, wherein a preferred embodiment of the invention and some additional or optional features are listed.

FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a set according to the invention, comprising a shoe with interchangeable support elements;

FIG. 2 shows the set of FIG. 1 in the finished state, with the support elements inserted;

FIGS. 3a to 3d show sections through different support layers or at different heights or planes through support layers, wherein different support elements can be inserted and removed in different directions relative to the longitudinal sole axis or transverse direction.

SPECIFICATION

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a set comprising a shoe 1 with a shoe upper 2 and a shoe bottom, which is referred to as a shoe sole 3, which is designed here with multiple layers. The different layers can also be combined into one layer, printed or encapsulated. Since the connection between the shoe upper 2 and the shoe sole 3 is known and is not the core of the invention, no further details are given. The shoe sole 3 extends from a shoe toe S to the heel area F. The set also includes support elements 4, which will be discussed later.

Seen from the side remote from the shoe upper 2, the shoe sole 3 comprises here an outsole layer 30, a support layer 31 and a cover sole layer 32, on which an inner sole not shown rests. The inner sole is usually arranged on the cover sole layer 32 inside the shoe upper 2 and is usually replaceable. The other layers are joined together during manufacture and then the shoe upper 2 is fixed to them. Today, the layers of the shoe sole 3 are made of plastics, some of which are cast in foamed form. However, additive manufacturing techniques are also available, especially with 3D printers.

The outsole layer 30 has a profile 300, as shown in FIG. 2. It increases the slip resistance of the shoe sole 3. The support layer 31 is molded here as a structure made of plastic. The cover sole layer 32 is an optional shoe sole layer, which is intended to prevent the user from getting pressure points on the sole of the foot. However, depending on the shape of the surface of the support layer 31 facing the shoe upper 2, the cover sole layer 32 may be dispensed with. The insole is a user-selectable and replaceable sole layer that may include synthetic or natural fibers or leather like the other sole layer.,

For solving the object, the support layer 31 is essential here, while the other layers may even be omitted or inseparably connected or formed on. For example, the support layer 31 is made of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), rubber, polypropylene (PP), or polystyrene (PS), or as a blend of several materials mentioned herein.

Preferably, the support layer 31 has a structure with a plurality of cavities 310. The cavities 310 are configured to extend linearly or curvedly in one direction to form a structure in the support layer 31. The cavities 310 are spaced apart from each other, preferably parallel to each other and/or at regular intervals. An optimum damping effect is achieved when several cavities 310 run regularly next to each other and sometimes also on top of each other.

The cavities 310 have identical, constant cavity cross-sectional areas, wherein the lengths of the cavities 310 are greater than their widths and heights. In addition, at least one end face of each cavity 310 is recessed, whereby a structure of cavities 310 open on at least one side is created in the support layer 31. Typically, both end faces of each cavity 310 are recessed, whereby continuous channels are formed.

The support elements 4 can be inserted into the cavities 310 of the support layer 31, as shown in FIG. 1. Here, the support elements 4 are designed as rods and have identical, constant cross-sectional areas; the same as the cavities 310. This allows them to be positively insertable and removable into the cavities 310.

According to the invention, the support elements 4 are present in different strengths, so that the damping of the shoe sole 3 can be changed by the choice of the support elements 4 introduced. The strength determines the damping effect when a user occurs. Strength is therefore understood here as the compression resistance that can be measured when a transverse force is applied to the rod-shaped support elements.

Preferably, these cross-sectional areas are circular, oval, triangular, pentagonal, or hexagonal. In particular, honeycomb cross-sectional areas are advantageous, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, because they can be arranged close to each other.

In order to achieve a constant, predefined damping and to be able to generate a closed, clean surface at the edge of the shoe sole 3, the support elements 4 are designed internally without structure from a homogeneous mass so that their cross-sections are uniformly filled. Twisting of the support elements 4 during insertion is thus irrelevant for damping. In addition, such support elements 4 can be manufactured at low cost.

The support elements 4 can be reversibly inserted and removed into the provided cavities 310 in the support layer 31. In FIG. 1 they are shown partially inserted, in FIG. 2 they are shown fully inserted. The cavities 310 are preferably formed in different planes of the support layer 31, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. They are partially superimposed so that some lines of force flow pass through two or more cavities 310 when the shoe sole 3 is loaded by a user. This gives the user a greater opportunity to optimally adjust the damping: the more support elements 4 a force flow line crosses while running, the softer the tread is cushioned there. In the heel area, where the greatest forces and impacts on the foot occur, there are accordingly the most planes arranged one above the other, in which there are cavities 310 with support elements 4.

The support elements 4, which here are in the form of rods, must be cut to the lengths of the cavities 310 so that they do not or only minimally protrude from the support layer 31. They should also not be too short so that, if possible, dirt does not accumulate in the free areas of the cavities 310. Therefore, the support elements 4 are configured to be cut to length by a user so that they end at the end face of the cavity 310. Preferably, the set also includes a simple, suitable tool with which the cutting to length can be carried out safely and cleanly. This can be a knife or scissors, which are usually present in every household. The strength of the support elements 4 must be designed accordingly, or nominal cutting points can be provided at which the shortening can be carried out more easily, e.g., by twisting off, shearing or by cutting off.

In order to achieve a damping effect, the support elements 4 must have suitable mechanical properties, wherein the stiffness of the support elements 4 is of particular interest. Synthetic polymers are preferably used as the material for the support elements 4, whereby thermoplastics, thermosets or elastomers can be used. The flexural rigidity of the support elements 4 must be such that they can be inserted into the elongated cavities 310. By means of additives, such as plasticizers, suitable support elements 4 can be produced.

In order to generate as little waste as possible, the support elements 4 can be in the form of rods that are as long as possible and can be cut to length by the user as required. Therefore, there must be at least one support element 4 of each strength. Since both shoes are usually equipped in the same way, it makes sense to provide at least two support elements 4 of each strength in the set.

It has proved useful to design the support elements 4 of different strengths in different colors. On the one hand, this prevents confusion during use. On the other hand, it can also be determined later which strengths were selected in which areas of the shoe sole 3.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the cavities 310 in the shoe sole 3 can extend in different directions. On the one hand, they can run in the direction Q, across the direction of travel L and horizontally. In FIG. 3a , the support elements 4 are shown laterally before being inserted into the corresponding cavities 310.

In FIG. 3b , further support elements 4 are additionally shown in the heel area, which can be inserted into cavities 310 that extend in the running direction L.

FIG. 3c shows that cavities 310 are configured in different directions in different planes that are substantially parallel to each other and to the substrate (horizontal): planes with cavities 310 in running direction L alternate with planes with cavities 310 transverse to running direction Q. The arrows indicate the insertion directions.

The support elements 4 lie only inserted and thus positively connected held in the elongated cavities 310. Casting or gluing is not necessary. Due to the positive connection, the support elements 4 are adequately secured. The support elements 4 are made of materials of varying hardness, wherein plastics and plastic composite materials are used.

As can be seen in FIG. 3d , the cavities 310 can be linear or curved, i.e., in this case wave-like or s-shaped along their length or more U-shaped. These curved cavities 310 can also be oriented at different angles to the longitudinal sole axis L or transverse direction Q, but remain in a horizontal plane that extends substantially parallel to the subgrade and thus normal to the force flow planes. Here, too, several vertically offset planes can be provided in which cavities 310 are formed.

The support elements 4 are inserted into the elongated cavities 310 in the direction of the arrow. In the corrugated embodiment, the support elements 4 may still be twisted, i.e., rotated or warped.

In order for the user of the shoe 1 or the shoe sole 3 to correctly place the support elements 4, a quick reference guide would be provided with the set. In this, the placement of the support elements 4 for different uses of the shoe 1 is explained.

To prevent a very soft support element 4 from becoming jammed in a cavity 310 open on both sides when it is pushed in transversely to the direction of impact, the set may comprise a tubular thin stocking of sufficient length. Before insertion, the support element 4 is wrapped with this stocking, which protrudes over the support element 4 on at least one side. At this end, the stocking is pulled through the cavity 310, wherein its other end is at the same time held. This stretches the support element 4 and narrows its cross-section, preventing jamming. The stocking is then cut off.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   1 Shoe -   2 Shoe upper -   3 Shoe sole (below the foot) -   30 Outsole layer -   300 Outsole layer profile -   31 Support position -   310 Cavities (linear, elongated: longer than wide/high) -   32 Cover sole layer -   4 Support element (multiple, full, different hardnesses/thicknesses) -   5 Shoe toe -   F Heel area -   L Longitudinal sole axis -   Q Transverse direction 

1. A set comprising a shoe having a shoe sole comprising a support layer and a plurality of support elements, wherein the support layer comprises a plurality of cavities having identical, constant cavity cross-sectional areas, wherein the lengths of the cavities are greater than their widths and heights, and wherein at least one end face of each cavity is recessed, whereby a structure of cavities open on at least one side is created in the support layer, wherein the support elements are designed as rods with identical, constant cross-sectional areas and can be inserted into and removed from the cavities in a form-fitting manner, wherein the support elements are present in different strengths, such that the damping of the shoe sole can be changed by the choice of the inserted support elements.
 2. The set of claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional areas of the cavities and the support elements are circular, oval, triangular, quadrilateral, pentagonal or hexagonal, or honeycomb-shaped.
 3. The set of claim 1, wherein the support elements are fully filled internally.
 4. The set of claim 1, wherein the cavities are linear or curved.
 5. The set of claim 1, wherein the cavities are partially superimposed, such that some lines of force flow pass through two or more cavities, when the shoe sole supports the weight of a user.
 6. The set of claim 1, wherein each support element can be cut by a user to the length of a cavity such that it will end at the end face of the cavity.
 7. The set of claim 1, wherein at least one support elements of each strength are present in a sufficient length, from which the desired lengths can be cut in order to create as little waste as possible.
 8. The set of claim 1, wherein the support elements of different strengths have different colors in order to avoid confusion during use.
 9. The set of claim 3, wherein cross sections of the support elements are uniformly filled.
 10. The set of claim 7, wherein the at least one support elements comprises two support elements. 